If you’re one of those people who seek out microbreweries wherever you go, you’ll be happy to know that even way out in the middle of the Pacific you can find a good brew. Whether you’re looking for breweries in Kona, Hilo, or somewhere in between, you have some options for sampling locally produced craft beers.
Be sure to check out these surprising places to sample local food in Hawaii, too!
Note that menu options and entertainment as well as business hours are subject to change. It’s highly recommended that you call in advance for reservations or to make sure you get what you’re expecting.
🍺 Kona Brewing Company
Founded in 1994, this is the original Kona brewery. Their Kailua-Kona location offers up delicious beer with local flavors. Order the Hula Hefeweizen has the fruitiness of bananas and apples; Lemongrass Luau is brewed with wheat malt, ginger, and lemongrass; and the Wailua Wheat (my favorite!) features the tropical flavor of passion fruit, otherwise known as lilikoi.
The Pipeline Porter is a must-try if dark beer is your thing: brewed with 100% Kona coffee grown on the Big Island, the distinct coffee flavor might tempt you to switch up your morning routine.
Handcrafted beers (and the new hard seltzers) from Kona Brewing Co. are available in retail locations. Their Big Wave Golden Ale and Longboard Island Lager can be found across the island chain and in some locations on the continent, but you’ll have a chance to try some limited edition beers when you visit in person. On tap at the source as well as at selected bars across the island state, you’ll have a chance to try popular beers like the Castaway IPA, Duke’s Blonde Ale, Fire Rock Pale Ale, or the Black Sand Porter.
Or order up a flight of Kona beers to try the smooth flavor of some of Hawaii’s best beers alongside a selection straight out of the pizza ovens.
With locations on the Big Island and the island of Oahu, you’ve got two chances to try the craft beers from the folks at Kona Brewing Co. while you’re in Hawaii. The new 30,000-square foot brewery (near the site of the original brewery) is located in Kona where brewery tours outlining the beer making process are available. (The pub on Oahu is outside of the bustling Waikiki area on the docks of Koko Marina Center.)
Offerings: Live music, growlers available, indoor and outdoor seating, full bar
Located at: 74-5612 Pawai Place Kailua Kona, HI (Big Island of Hawaii)
More info: Kona Brewing Co.
🍺 Big Island Brewhaus
Head north (not after you’ve been drinking though, my friend!) and stop in the little town of Waimea where Big Island Brewhaus offers up small-batch beers with big flavor. The smallest of the Big Island breweries, this location has indoor and outdoor dining for lunch and dinner.
The brews here are available on tap, with a limited selection of craft beers in bottles. Try the Big Mac Nut Brown Ale, the Tall, Dark, and Mandarin imperial stout featuring local cacao and oranges, or Odin’s Sword Baltic porter.
They have full bar offerings, but specialize in margaritas that pair well with some of the Mexican food selections on the menu. The lilikoi margaritas (passion fruit) are a must-try.
Offerings: Live music, growlers available, indoor and outdoor dining, full bar
Location: 64-1066 Mamalahoa Hwy, Waimea, HI (Big Island of Hawaii)
More info: Big Island Brewhaus
🍺 Hilo Brewing Company
Established in 2018, the small tasting room at this Hilo location offers great beer in a variety of sizes and flights. Try the Tsunami IPA, Mauna Kea Pale Ale, or Humpback Island Lager on site or look for it in cans at local retailers. They offer a limited food menu with a number of appetizer options to go with their beer.
Offerings: Growlers available, indoor and outdoor dining, full bar
Location: 275 E Kawili St, Hilo, HI (Big Island of Hawaii)
More info: Hilo Brewing Co.
🍺 Ola Brew
With two locations on Hawaii’s Big Island, visitors can sit and sip craft beer, hard seltzers, or hard teas in either Hilo or Kona.
This is another “new” brewery on the island scene, with four years of serving cool, refreshing drinks under their belt. And pretty cool drinks, they are!
Ola Brew strives to encourage island agriculture by using local ingredients as the basis of their beers and ciders, supporting local farmers. Flavors like Hawaiian Orange Vanilla and Lemon Lime feature the island’s delicious citrus crops while the Kona Gold cider is brewed from pineapples.
Offerings: Live music, growlers available, indoor and outdoor dining, full bar
Hilo location: 1177 Kilauea Ave., Hilo, HI, 96720 (Big Island of Hawaii)
Kona location: 74-5598 Luhia St., Kailua-Kona, HI (Big Island of Hawaii)
More info: Ola Brew
Kona Brewers Festival
Be sure to check your calendar to see if you’ll be on Hawaii Island during the excitement of the Kona Brewers Festival!
